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TAKING AN ORDINARY DAY AND
MAKING IT EXTRAORDINARY
Clients bring their dogs to us knowing they’re in very good hands. Ranch Hands, that is! Our team - who we call Ranch Hands - is the heart of The Oaks Dog Ranch. Engaging with our clients’ dogs, providing loving care, play, and training while stimulating their minds, bodies and senses is our mission.
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All of our Ranch Hands are dog enthusiasts who genuinely enjoy actively connecting with dogs. These professional dog handlers and trainers (several have their CPDT-KA certification) attend hours of classroom education and hands-on practical training to prepare them to be your dog’s playmate, trainer and caregiver. From supplying enriching play and training experiences to providing expert play group leadership, the role of The Ranch Hand is to be of service to your pets during their entire stay.
RANCH HANDS
BECOMING A RANCH HAND IS SOMETHING SPECIAL
Are you interested in being part of something this special? At The Oaks Dog Ranch, we don’t just provide enrichment to our guests, we enrich the lives of our team.
Those who share our passion and want to make a difference in the lives of these amazing creatures and the families who love them are encouraged to apply for employment. We typically seek hard-working, skilled dog owners/enthusiasts and/or experienced dog handlers/trainers. As long as you truly love and are comfortable with dogs, enjoy physical outdoor work, work well in a team environment and you aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty (and occasionally drooled on) we welcome you to apply!
ON-SITE PAID TRAINING
All Ranch Hands receive many hours of paid training to prepare them for the awesome responsibility of caring for other people’s pet family members. We have high expectations of our Ranch Hands so we believe in setting you up for success.
LEVEL 1 TRAINING
All Ranch Hands begin their training with Level 1 which comprises at least 6 hours of classroom education with a minimum of 6 hours of practical training. Level 1 Ranch Hands spend most of their time escorting our guests calmly and peacefully from one experience to another. We like to keep things moving!
LEVEL 2 TRAINING
After a Ranch Hand has become comfortable with Level 1 activities, they’re ready to move up to Level 2. Here, Ranch Hands spend a minimum of 10 hours in the classroom, at-least 10 hours in practical training and 4 or more hours working alongside a more experienced Ranch Hand reinforcing what they learned in training. Level 2 Ranch Hands engage our guests in activities including, basic obedience training, tricks, nosework, agility, playing fetch and tug, taking nature hikes, giving relaxation massages and assisting Playgroup Leaders as needed.
LEVEL 3 TRAINING
The Ranch Hands who lead our playgroups are our most experienced, well-trained team members. In addition to performing successfully as a Level 1 and 2 Ranch Hand, before they ever lead a playgroup, Level 3 Ranch Hands receive an additional 8 hours of classroom education and a minimum of 16 hours working in a playgroup under the direction of an experienced playgroup leader.
So, are you interested in joining our team? Please complete our online application. We look forward to hearing from you!
